Thanksgiving (cont.)
What can happen if we are not thankful for God’s activity in our lives and others in this world? It can lead to behavior that dishonors God. We can be selfish and egotistical and both can lead us to believe we have no need for God. Especially, when we spend all our time trying to be completely self-sufficient by gaining wealth and power. Also, we can lose faith in God when we begin to experience some hardships. We only need to look at the many times in the Old Testament when the people of God ignored God’s word. They were given their freedom after 400 years of Egyptian slavery and the thanksgiving soon changed to grumbling. Look at (Exodus 14:11-12, Exodus 16:2 and 12, Exodus 32: 9-10, 31-35, Numbers 11: 1-6….). Or look at the New Testament where there are plenty of warnings if we ignore God. (Romans 1:18-32, Luke 12: 19-21, James 4:4, Matthew 23:23…)
Today, as we observe the disruptive behavior in our culture and selfish acts of people, do we wonder why God continues to allow so many to choose a prideful and destructive way of life? Jesus warned us that many would choose to disobey God and ignore the warnings. Jesus told us “to enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and broad that leads to destruction and many are those who enter it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow (difficult) that leads to life and few are those who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Even as we follow Christ and His teachings with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will still have difficulties and hardships. Thankfully, God’s word provides the promise and instructions to help us on the arduous journey. We must stay alert to the schemes and detours that the evil one will present along the way. We must give thanks for God’s deliverance as Paul did and wrote in some of his final words to Timothy, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and bring me safely into the heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen”. 2 Timothy 4:18
Lastly, it is important to be thankful for the people in our life that provide encouragement and care. There will be times when the circumstances of life bring sorrow to our heart; like a devastating diagnosis of health, financial upheaval or loss that upends a family, etc. When these hardships occur we may already have faithful believers who will comfort and help us. We may have “strangers” provide us with much needed assistance. We may see God direct us to folks that welcome us with open arms to help bring us back into the body of Christ (the Church), especially if you may have left because God “upset or even angered us.” Be thankful for all the people God brings to you and also when He uses you to encourage those in need as you finish your journey. And thanks be to God for each day we have to do His will. Amen
A few songs for our thanksgiving …..